Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach
FAQ

Everything you need to know before your beach day.

What are the beach conditions at Rockaway Beach today?

Rockaway Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8518750, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.

View Live Conditions

Where do you park at Rockaway Beach?

Park at Rockaway Beach in lots like Beach 9th St Lot, Beach 88th St Lot, Jacob Riis Parking Area. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $35/day (seasonal) and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.

Find Parking

Where should you eat at Rockaway Beach?

At Rockaway Beach, don't miss the Beach Tacos at Rockaway Beach Surf Club. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.

Explore Dining

What boat trips run from Rockaway Beach?

Boats leave Rockaway Beach from Riis Landing, including the Jamaica Bay Kayak Tours — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.

See Things to Do

What's happening at Rockaway Beach this week?

Rockaway Beach hosts Surf Lessons at Beach 67-69 and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.

Check Events

How long does it take to get sunburned at Rockaway Beach?

It depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Rockaway Beach into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.

Check Today's Burn Time

Are dogs allowed at Rockaway Beach?

It depends on when. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Outside the summer season they are allowed on a leash. Source: NYC Parks — Rockaway Beach posted beach rules, checked 2026-09-08.

See All Beach Rules

Can you drink alcohol at Rockaway Beach?

It depends where on the beach. Alcohol, barbecuing and open fires are prohibited except in designated areas. Source: NYC Parks — Rockaway Beach posted beach rules, checked 2026-09-08.

See All Beach Rules

Can you have a fire or grill at Rockaway Beach?

It depends where on the beach. Barbecuing and open fires are prohibited except in designated areas. Source: NYC Parks — Rockaway Beach posted beach rules, checked 2026-09-08.

See All Beach Rules

Are tents and canopies allowed at Rockaway Beach?

No. Erecting tents is prohibited. Source: NYC Parks — Rockaway Beach posted beach rules, checked 2026-09-08.

See All Beach Rules

Is glass allowed at Rockaway Beach?

No. All glass containers are prohibited. Glass bottles are not allowed on the beach. Source: NYC Parks — Rockaway Beach posted beach rules, checked 2026-09-08.

See All Beach Rules

Can you smoke at Rockaway Beach?

No. Smoking is prohibited on the beach, boardwalk and promenade. Source: NYC Parks — Rockaway Beach posted beach rules, checked 2026-09-08.

See All Beach Rules

At Rockaway Beach, the sun sets at 6:41 PM today — about 11h 49m of daylight. Sunrise was 6:51 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Rockaway Beach update at the top of the conditions page.